Tanguay scores 2 goals, Avalanche top Capitals to improve to 5-0 under Roy

Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon (29) celebrates his goal during the second period an NHL hockey game against the Washington Capitals, Saturday, Oct. 12, 2013, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass) (The Associated Press)

Colorado Avalanche left wing Alex Tanguay skates to the bench after he scored a goal during the first period an NHL hockey game against the Washington Capitals, Saturday, Oct. 12, 2013, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass) (The Associated Press)

WASHINGTON – Alex Tanguay scored twice and Semyon Varlamov made 40 saves in his return to Washington as the Colorado Avalanche remained perfect under coach Patrick Roy with a 5-1 win over the Capitals on Saturday night.

It is the first time the franchise is 5-0 since the 1994-95 season when the team was the Quebec Nordiques.

Rookie Nathan MacKinnon added his first NHL goal and an assist, and Matt Duchene and Jamie McGinn also scored for Colorado. Paul Stastny earned two assists, including his 400th NHL point.

Varlamov, traded by the Capitals to the Avalanche in 2011, carried a shutout into the third period before Eric Fehr beat him at 2:03. Varlamov is 4-0 with a 1.00 goals against average.

Michael Neuvirth made 23 saves for the Capitals (1-4) in his first start this season. Washington has lost three straight.